DL Stint May Have Been Blessing In Disguise For Moreland

Mitch Moreland has been swinging a hot bat since returning from the DL on July 30

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A six-week stint on the Texas Rangers’ disabled list, the result of a small wrist fracture, may have been a blessing in disguise for first baseman Mitch Moreland.

Moreland is hitting .338 with a .935 OPS since coming off the DL on July 30, and the slugger believes the time afforded him by the long layoff--unfortunate as it was to be forced from the lineup under such circumstances--has played a significant role in his recent surge at the plate.

“I just kind of slowed everything down,” Moreland said, per the Dallas Morning News. “I really emphasized the hitting position, getting my hands to the right spot and staying square when I hit the ball. I think [the DL] actually helped me with my swing. I definitely got started a little later this year than normal because of the injury and I was just trying to make sure I was healthy. That opportunity to work on my swing [while on the DL] really helped me get back to my comfort zone.”

After a 2-for-4 day at the plate in the finale with the Twins on Sunday afternoon, Moreland’s average remains on the rise--he will enter the series with the Tampa Bay Rays this week at .297.